Communism, socialism mixed up
Bradley Gitz’s Free Press column last Thursday, “What’s in a Word,” shows vividly how people on the right side of the political spectrum confuse democratic socialism with communism, saying that they are just degrees of the same thing. Communism calls for the state to own the means of production as well as determining what and how much is to be produced. The citizens of the Scandinavian countries are among the happiest people in the world, according to polls. Their economy is quite like ours except that they make sure that everyone has a reasonable standard of living.
John D. Beck, Ooltewah
Need for blood donations continues
The July 31 feature article by Karen Nazor Hill is both comprehensive and compelling. The central theme that the need for blood donations is continuing cannot be stressed too much.
The surge in blood donations in the immediate aftermath of the July 16 shootings of five servicemen speaks well of the Chattanooga area community. In a relatively short time, however, the need for donated blood product will return to normal. It will be the regular donors such as Caroline Chipley Johnson and Pat Hagan who were featured and quoted in the article who will maintain the blood supply.
I hope that those who donated just after the tragedy and who may not have donated before will be inspired to give their whole blood, platelets, plasma or red cells regularly.
Harry Geller
Phony scientists cloud climate truth
Last Thursday’s letter titled “Climate letter only ‘propaganda'” is absolutely correct. If you doubt this, read “Merchants of Doubt” by Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway.
A handful of phony scientists, paid to say whatever they are hired to say, obscure the truth about our climate. Some of the same people who deny global warming are some of the same people who denied tobacco smoking is harmful. Quoted by Republicans, warming denier Wei-Hock “Willie” Soon, exposed by The New York Times, received $1.2 million in research funding from fossil fuel businesses including Exxon Mobil Corp. and Charles G. Koch.
David Bean, Chatsworth, Ga.
Poem touches memorial visitor
My husband and I stopped at the memorial on Lee Highway to pay our respects. I was teary-eyed from the moment I got out of the car. All the flags, posters and kind words were overwhelming.
As we walked around, a green laminated letter/poem caught my eye. It was a heartfelt message from a James Chapman. I was quite taken aback since this was my father’s name. He passed away two years ago at 93. He lived in New Jersey and was a World War II veteran. He was known for his letter writing.
It warmed my heart thinking he was watching over me and proud of us all for being “NoogaStrong.”
Thanks, James Chapman.
Grace Ann Chapman Cupo
Students, it all depends on you
High school students, listen up. Want to make a lot of money, live in a nice house and drive a fancy car? That only comes with a great job, which results from a college education.
Want to work and pay for college? Get buried by student loans? No? Then you need scholarships. Unless you are part of the 1 percent with the skills to be a college athlete, your scholarships will depend on your GPA, and a great GPA comes from hard work.
Beginning this month, your only job until you graduate is to excel in your studies. It is all on you.
Pay attention in class. Ask questions if you do not understand. Get a tutor whenever you need one. Do all your assignments well and submit them on time – or early. Study diligently for every quiz and test.
To be lazy in school means your only job opportunity will involve the phrase, “Do you want fries with that?”
I guarantee you can do better than that. Take my dare and prove it.
Dr. Jeff Greer, Ringgold, Ga.
Military service, sacrifice appreciated
Perhaps, given the recent tragedy here in Chattanooga, it is time this story was told.
My daughter teaches at Life University in Smyrna, Ga. She and I had the privilege of attending a potluck luncheon with LU students on Thanksgiving 2014.
During the course of the afternoon, I happened to meet a young man from Korea. I mentioned that I had once visited his country. He asked when was the visit, and I replied during 1952 and ’53, as I was stationed there for 18 months during the war. His next comment made my entire term of service in the Army worthwhile. He said, “Thank you for saving us.” This from a man who had not even been born when I was in Korea.
Perhaps it will help a little to know that there are people from other countries who appreciate the services and sacrifices made by our military forces on their behalf. Just maybe we have more friends in the world than we realize.
J.T. Lancaster